Mexican Style Beef Stew | The Best Homemade Stew Recipe (2024)

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This Mexican Style Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food! It’s packed with flavorful, tender beef, vegetables and a slight Mexican flair.

Mexican Style Beef Stew | The Best Homemade Stew Recipe (1)

Beef Stew

Beef Stew is such comfort food. Perfect for chilly months to warm you right up. It reminds me of eating dinner at my “Granna’s” House for so many years. I’ve got the best beef stew recipe for you today that has a fun Mexican flair. Hope you enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, especially during chilly months.
  • With a little prep work, you’ll have a fantastic stew recipe for the whole family to enjoy.
  • It makes delicious leftovers for the week!

Check out my Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe as well! Be sure to follow Picky Palate on Instagram for sneak peeks on what’s coming next to Picky Palate!

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What You’ll Need

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make beef stew at home. See the recipe card located at the bottom of the post for full details and instructions.

  • extra virgin olive oil– You will use the olive oil for sauteeing the vegetables.
  • fresh garlic– Use fresh garlic and mince yourself or get the jars in the produce section that is already minced.
  • onions– I like to get white onion and finely chop for the stew.
  • carrot– peel and dice the carrots.
  • beef stew meat– Check the meat department for pieces of stew meat.
  • all-purpose flour– You’ll use the flour to coat the stew meat before browning.
  • kosher salt– Kosher salt is a coarse salt commonly used in cooking.
  • pepper- Use freshly cracked black pepper for best tasting results.
  • butter– I use salted butter for most of my recipes, but unsalted works fine too.
  • beef broth– Check for reduced sodium broth.
  • cooked potatoes– Check the freezer section or refrigerated section for potatoes.
  • taco seasoning– Use your favorite taco seasoning for the recipe.
  • diced green chilies– Green chilies add a layer of spice to the chili.
  • hot sauce– Cholula works great for the hot sauce.
  • sour cream– Use full-fat sour cream for best results.
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How to Make Mexican Style Beef Stew

Coat and Cook Beef Pieces For Stew. Heat oil in large dutch oven over medium high heat. Place beef, flour salt and pepper into a large zip top bag. Close bag and shake all ingredients together to coat beef. Carefully transfer flour coated beef to hot pan shaking off extra flour.

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Brown Beef. Cook and brown until nearly cooked through. Transfer beef to a large bowl and set aside.

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Saute Vegetables. Add more oil to pan, reduce to medium heat and add onions, carrots and garlic, stirring until softened. Stir in potatoes, cooking and stirring until cooked and browned. Stir in cooked beef, reduce heat to low.

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Prepare Roux. In a large saucepan melt butter over medium high heat, then whisk in flour, salt and pepper until combined.

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Add Roux To Stew. Slowly whisk in broth, continuing to whisk until thickened. Transfer to pot with beef and vegetables. Stir in water, taco seasoning, hot sauce and sour cream. Stir in Old El Paso Taco Seasoning until well combined. Simmer on low until ready to serve.

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How To Choose The Best Meat For Beef Stew

You want the tough, lean cuts. These don’t have as much fat, but they have “collagen.” Connective tissue. This breaks down over long cooking, leaving the meat fork tender. If your stew meat still seems a little tough, let it simmer for a bit longer. Keep checking it every 15-30 minutes and you’ll get that soft tender meat.

Great Meat Choices For Beef Stew

  • Chuck, Chuck Shoulder, Chuck Roast, Chuck-Eye Roast, Top Chuck
  • Bottom Round Roast, Bottom Eye Roast, Rump Roast, Eye Round Roast, Top Round, Round Tip Roast
  • English Roast, Pot Roast

Check your grocery store’s meat department, many times they’ve got stew meat already cut into cubes ready to be used. that’s what I did for my stew recipe today.

How To Make Roux For Beef Stew

  1. In a large saucepan melt butter over medium high heat, then whisk in flour, salt and pepper until combined.
  2. Slowly whisk in broth, continuing to whisk until thickened, then transfer to pot of beef stew.
  3. Whisk butter and flour mixture until hot and boiling.
  4. Slowly whisk in broth until thickened. Takes 5-10 minutes, whisking often.
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How To Serve Easy Beef Stew

Serve with a nice salad and crusty bread for dipping. This was a huge hit with the whole family.

How To Store Leftovers

Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

Place chilled stew in a heat proof bowl, loosely covered with plastic wrap. Heat for 60-90 seconds or until hot. Stir to combine before serving.

Try More Mexican Recipes!

  • Mexican Street Corn Salad
  • Mexican Spinach Dip
  • Mexican Chicken Noodle Soup

Mexican Style Beef Stew | The Best Homemade Stew Recipe (10)

5 from 1 vote

Mexican Style Beef Stew

This Mexican Style Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food! It's packed with flavorful, tender beef, vegetables and a slight Mexican flair.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Calories: 371kcal

Author: Jenny

Cost: $25

Print Pin Rate

Equipment

  • Stove

  • large pot

  • cutting board

  • chef knife

  • mixing spoon

  • measuring cups

  • measuring spoons

  • mixing spoon

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 pounds stew meat
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups chopped white onion
  • 2 cups diced carrots
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 pound chopped diced potatoes cooked
  • 4 ounce can Old El Paso diced green chilies
  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 32 ounces reduced sodium beef broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 packet Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce such as Cholula
  • 1 cup sour cream

Instructions

  • Heat oil in large dutch oven over medium high heat. Place beef, flour salt and pepper into a large zip top bag. Close bag and shake all ingredients together to coat beef. Carefully transfer flour coated beef to hot pan shaking off extra flour.

  • Cook and brown until nearly cooked through. Transfer beef to a large bowl and set aside. Add more oil to pan, reduce to medium heat and add onions, carrots and garlic, stirring until softened. Stir in potatoes, cooking and stirring until cooked and browned. Stir in cooked beef, reduce heat to low. In a large saucepan melt butter over medium high heat, then whisk in flour, salt and pepper until combined.

  • Slowly whisk in broth, continuing to whisk until thickened. Transfer to pot with beef and vegetables. Stir in water, taco seasoning, hot sauce and sour cream. Stir in Old El Paso Taco Seasoning until well combined. Simmer on low until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 371kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 631mg | Potassium: 861mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 4430IU | Vitamin C: 9.2mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 3.3mg

Keywords: best beef stew, best beef stew recipe, easy beef stew, easy beef stew recipe, homemade beef stew, how to make beef stew, simple beef stew recipe

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Mexican Style Beef Stew | The Best Homemade Stew Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good beef stew? ›

The best beef stews are made with the right cut of meat, like chuck roast, brisket or round. Leaner cuts (which are good for the grill) lack the connective tissue that turns into gelatin as it cooks. That keeps the meat juicy and tender while also thicken and enriching the stew.

What gives beef stew more flavor? ›

Add spices such as turmeric, coriander and cumin at the early stage of cooking, when you are frying onions and garlic, to enhance the taste of the beef stew. Fresh herbs like coriander and bay leaves also contribute a distinct flavour without making the dish too spicy for the younger members of the family.

How to make the perfect beef stew and the common mistakes to avoid? ›

The Five Most Common Beef Stew Mistakes
  1. Choosing a meat that's too lean. Stew is not meant for all cuts of meat. ...
  2. Putting too much flour on the stew meat before sautéeing them. ...
  3. Not using wine. ...
  4. Putting the meat and vegetables together in one pan. ...
  5. Not cooking it enough.
Jun 28, 2020

How to make beef stew tender and juicy? ›

The most important key to making stew meat tender is being sure to cook it for a long time. If you want super tender beef, you'll need to cook it on a low heat in a Dutch oven on the stove or a slow cooker for at least a few hours.

What is the basic stew formula? ›

The Ideal Stew Ratio: Two Parts Meat, One Part Vegetable

Most meat-based stews call for tough, inexpensive cuts of meat, while vegetarian recipes include the same onions, carrots, and celery typical of a beef stew. Two parts meat to one part vegetables is the perfect ratio for a meaty stew.

Why put tomato paste in beef stew? ›

I contacted Laurence to get the lowdown on why she adds tomato paste to her beef stew. "I include tomato paste in many braised recipes because it adds a depth of flavor without increasing the liquid quantity in the dish," Laurence explains.

How do I make my stew taste richer? ›

If so here are some tips for making your stews tasty and have your family begging you for more!
  1. Choose your ingredients wisely. ...
  2. Start off with a good flavour base. ...
  3. Add vegetables. ...
  4. Add flavourings to taste. ...
  5. Add Herbs and/or Spices. ...
  6. Spices: (Optional) ...
  7. Add stock or wine/beer. ...
  8. Add thickeners.

What is the best thickener for beef stew? ›

The three main thickening agents for gravies are flour, cornflour and arrowroot. The first two are normally used in savoury dishes while arrowroot tends to be used in sweet dishes – that said, arrowroot will work in a savoury dish as it has no flavour.

What are the best vegetables to put in beef stew? ›

Vegetables that work well in a beef stew include Hardroots vegetable, carrots, potatoes, onions, celery, and parsnips. These vegetables add flavor and texture to the stew while complementing the richness of the beef. You can also consider adding mushrooms, turnips, or peas for variety.

When should celery be added to stew? ›

Once the meat is tender - but not falling apart, add the potatoes, celery, carrots and butternut squash. Pour over another 2 cups of beef broth and enough water to cover the vegetables. Raise heat and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes - until the vegetables are tender.

Do you put tomato paste in stew? ›

Stew is basically meat braised in liquid, along with other ingredients—typically potatoes, carrots, onions, and possibly some sort of tomato. The tomato can be tomato paste, diced tomatoes, or even whole canned tomatoes that you break up with a spoon while it cooks. But no one said that the main liquid should be water.

Is it better to use beef broth or stock for stew? ›

If you have homemade beef stock, use it! However, most commercially produced beef broths taste rather fake; chicken broths are much richer and complex. Bay leaves and thyme – Aromatics for more flavor! Carrots, potatoes and peas are the staple of a traditional stew.

Should stew meat be marinated? ›

Using marinated meats is a great way to bring new, enriched flavor to your favorite soups and stews. Marinating meat prior to making your soup is a great way to add a depth of flavor while also tenderizing often lower quality stew meat.

How long to cook beef stew until tender? ›

Add the beef, beef broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a slow simmer. Cover and cook, skimming broth from time to time, until the beef is tender, about 1½ hours.

What is the most flavorful meat for stew? ›

For example, chuck is a lean and tender cut of beef that works well in stew. However, if you would prefer a thicker and more flavorful stew, short ribs or oxtail may be better choices for you. To make a delicious stew, choose good-quality ingredients.

How to make stew nice and thick? ›

The flour helps to thicken a stew as it cooks. Whisk a teaspoon of flour in a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir into the stew as it's cooking. Don't add dry flour directly to the stew as it may clump. After adding the slurry, bring the stew to boil.

How do you make beef more flavorful? ›

Beef tastes great when seasoned with oregano, rosemary, sage, garlic or a combination of these seasonings.

What is the best thickening agent for beef stew? ›

instead of a roux or flour use cornstarch or arrowroot . equal parts water to cornstarch and arrowroot. mix that up and then you add it to simmering sauce or whatever. you're trying to thicken, it's called a slurry.

References

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